Water is essential to life, and babies need it in almost every form. As parents, we always want to give our children the best. A baby is good at digesting the food he eats, so you should be able to provide him with more nutrients and clean, mineral-rich water. This need is best met by alkaline water.
People and health fans are interested in alkaline water. But before you give alkaline water to your baby, you might want to learn about its benefits and possible side effects.
Normal drinking water has a pH of 7, while alkaline water has a pH of 8. It also has more minerals and is cleaner than most water.
In spite of the fact that more studies are required to demonstrate that alkaline water is safe for infants, there have not been any adverse effects discovered as of yet. Before giving alkaline water to your child, you should talk to your doctor to ensure there won't be any harmful effects. Read on to find out if alkaline water is safe for babies and what it can do for them.
What Is Alkaline Water?
When we talk about alkaline water, we talk about the pH balance in the water. The higher the ratio, the higher the alkalinity component of the water. So, alkaline water is any water with a pH balance of 8 or higher.
What Kind of Water is Best for Your Baby?
Let's look at each choice:
Do you know why water from the tap has such an unpleasant taste? Well, it may have dangerous elements that are not suitable for a baby's growth! In addition, the pH of tap water is 6.5, which is too low for a newborn because acidity increases as pH lowers, which is linked to acid reflux as well as many other health issues. When tap water is processed and cleaned, many naturally occurring minerals are eliminated. This lowers the pH of the water. That’s why most people install an RO or water filter at home to purify the water and eliminate these impurities.
How is alkaline water better for your child than filtered tap water?
The pH balance of our bodies is affected by what we eat. The benefits of alkaline water for babies haven't been proven yet, but they usually help toddlers get more minerals, which meet their needs as they grow. Compared to filtered tap water, babies should drink alkaline water instead.
Companies that sell alkaline water assert that drinking alkaline water has various health advantages; some of these advantages include the ones listed below:
- It lowers the risk of diseases linked to cell death and bone loss. It helps in preventing bone degeneration. It improves bone health.
- It makes you less likely to get kidney problems.
- It makes blood flow better by keeping the pH levels in the body in balance.
- Alkaline water keeps you hydrated better than regular water.
- It also keeps hair and skin from getting dry.
- It helps with heartburn as the higher pH reduces acid reflux.
- It helps to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
- It may keep you healthy over a longer period of time.
Alkaline water is better than tap water because it is cleaner, has more minerals, and makes you feel full. Unfiltered tap water can be dangerous because it may contain harmful elements. No parent would risk giving this to their child. On the other hand, alkaline water is clean and full of minerals, which your child needs.
Alkaline water makes it less likely for toddlers to have acid reflux. Regular, moderate consumption of alkaline water has been shown to reduce free radicals in the body, keep the body better hydrated, boost the immune system, and, most importantly, keep the body's pH levels in balance.
Some minerals are taken out during the cleaning and filtering processes that tap water goes through. All these minerals stay in alkaline water, which is clean and good for your baby’s health.
What minerals does alkaline water contain?
Alkaline water has four essential minerals which make it healthier for consumption.
- Calcium - This is critical for bone health. It is also necessary for smooth functioning of the heart, muscle and nervous system.
- Magnesium - This mineral helps to convert food into energy and is needed for most of the biochemical processes in the body.
- Sodium - This helps to regulate blood pressure and helps in the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.
- Potassium - This is important for well-functioning muscles and also supports healthy digestion.
Is Alkaline Water Safe For Babies? Is it a better option?
We've read that alkaline water is good for your health in many ways. It's still important to know if it's safe for babies. We should also know if the alkaline water should be mixed with something or given straight. How much should be given, how often should it be given, etc.?
Here are some pointers to keep in mind-
- You should always talk to a doctor before giving alkaline water to babies.
- Never give alkaline water to a baby younger than six months.
- Don't give a baby alkaline water 30 to 50 minutes before or after a meal. This is important to make sure their stomach works right.
- It's not a good idea to mix alkaline water with formula milk or any other kind of baby food. Filtered water is better for this purpose.
- Never give alkaline water to a baby who is taking medicine.
- If your baby suffers from stomach acidity, it is prudent to consult the doctor before starting your child on alkaline water.
When it comes to your baby, it's essential to be careful and not do too much of anything. Everything in moderation is suitable for your baby, even alkaline water, in the short and long term.
The best pH balance for a healthy body is 9, so you should always tell your kid to drink alkaline water. Alkaline water is good for older babies. It will help him/her stay on task at school and improve in the classroom and on the playground.
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FAQ's
Q. What is alkaline water?
Ans.Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular water, usually 8 or above. It contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These minerals can help support health, but it’s important to ask a doctor before giving alkaline water to babies.
Q. Is alkaline water safe for babies?
Ans.Alkaline water can be safe for babies above six months if given in small amounts. It’s important to consult your doctor first. It should never be given to newborns or mixed with formula. Always follow a doctor’s advice before changing your baby’s water source.
Q. Can alkaline water help with acid reflux in babies?
Ans.Yes, alkaline water may help reduce acid reflux because of its higher pH. However, babies should only be given alkaline water after consulting a pediatrician. Too much can upset their delicate stomach balance, so moderation is key.
Q. When should I avoid giving alkaline water to my baby?
Ans.Avoid giving alkaline water to babies younger than six months. Also, don’t give it during or right after meals, when mixing formula, or if your child is on medication. Always follow your doctor’s guidance before including it in your baby’s routine.
Q. What are the benefits of alkaline water for babies?
Ans.Alkaline water may support hydration, bone development, and reduce acid reflux. It provides important minerals and can help maintain pH balance. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits for babies specifically. Talk to your doctor before using it regularly.
Q. How much alkaline water can babies safely drink?
Ans.Babies should drink alkaline water in moderation. Start with small amounts and only after the baby is over six months old. Never replace breast milk or formula with alkaline water. Consult a doctor to understand the right quantity for your child’s needs.
Q. Can alkaline water be mixed with baby formula or food?
Ans.No, you should not mix alkaline water with formula or baby food. It can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. Use filtered or boiled water for preparing formula. Alkaline water can be given separately, only after your doctor agrees.
Q. What minerals are found in alkaline water?
Ans.Alkaline water usually contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These minerals help support bone strength, muscle function, digestion, and energy production. While they’re healthy, make sure to introduce them carefully and consult your pediatrician before offering alkaline water to your baby.
Q. How is alkaline water better than tap or filtered water for babies?
Ans.Alkaline water is cleaner, richer in minerals, and may help balance body pH. Tap water might contain impurities, and filtering can remove helpful minerals. Still, filtered water is best for preparing formula. Alkaline water may be better as a separate drink in moderation.
Q. Should I talk to a doctor before giving my baby alkaline water?
Ans.Yes, always consult a pediatrician before introducing alkaline water to your baby. Every baby is different, and what works for one may not suit another. A doctor can guide you based on your child’s age, health, and nutritional needs.
